What’s contributing to the rise of pickleball as a recreational sport?

Asmi Sapra started playing pickleball in 2020. Throughout the pandemic, she played on courts almost a kilometre away from her home in the pink city of Jaipur. “I don’t know why, but pickleball and I just clicked. It was easy to learn,” said Sapra, 20, who has played a “few nationals”. In 2022, she represented India at the Asian Pickleball Open in Phuket and returned with four medals.

Sapra was introduced to the sport by one of her father’s friends, Ashwani Wadhwa. “He is 65 and still practices with us every morning,” said Sapra, who studies at Delhi University’s Kamala Nehru College.

Asmi Sapra plays pickleball (Source: Asmi Sapra)

Venture capitalist Kunal Vora, 41, started playing pickleball this year in Mumbai. “I’ve been an avid tennis player, having played at club/state/national levels. However, due to injury, I was looking for another sport and that’s how I got into pickleball. As a former tennis player, pickleball was easy to pick up. I was a serve and volley tennis player so I had a good touch at the net, which is an important part of the game in pickleball. So, the game comes quite naturally to me,” said Vora.

What is pickleball and how is it played?

The game is simple. Like other racquet sports like badminton and tennis, pickleball is played either as doubles (two players per team) or singles. “The dynamic sport is played on a court roughly a third the size of a tennis court, making it accessible and less physically demanding. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball, which is similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The unique aspects, such as the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen), add a strategic layer to the game. Pickleball is known for its inclusivity and ease of learning, making it ideal for beginners while still being challenging for more experienced players,” said Ujwal Deole, co-founder, chief operating officer, KheloMore.

What’s special?

Like any sport, there’s a combination of skill and tactical acumen required to play pickleball. However, one of the biggest advantages is that it’s less taxing on the body. This reduces the risk of injury. “The games are quick so does not require that much of a time commitment. The infrastructure required is quite low, thus courts are easy to set up cost-effectively. Especially in cities like Mumbai that are space-constrained, it makes a lot of sense,” explained Vora.

Recreational sport on the block

According to Deole, the sport is especially popular among older adults for its low-impact nature, “but it’s also attracting younger players and competitive athletes. Kids, adults, and seniors can all enjoy this inclusive sport”.

According to Dr Dharitri Brahmbhatt, clinical lead, Physiotattva, Bengaluru, the sport is designed in a way movements can be controlled, which again reduces the risk of injury and makes it a safer choice and option for many as a recreational sport.

Would you try? (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Dr Bhrambhatt said playing pickleball can give many health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, increased muscular strength, better coordination, increased flexibility, and increased endurance. “This form of sports falls into the moderate intensity level category, which helps in burning calories and aids in weight management. Pickleball game also improves the social interaction of people of all age categories, including senior citizens, as it improves mental health by reducing stress and promoting a sense of community,” said Dr Brahmbhatt.

The slow pace and reduced court size account for less running and few jerky movements, which in turn reduces the chances of major sports injuries, said Dr Brahmbhatt.

Whether you’re playing at a local club or joining a public game at a park, you’ll find it easy to make new friends and build lasting relationships.

“Pickleball is incredibly accessible. The learning curve is gentle, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Additionally, it provides a full-body workout without the intense physical strain of some other sports. The game’s moderate pace means it’s easy on the joints, yet it still offers cardiovascular benefits and helps improve agility, balance, and coordination,” said Deole.

Overall, pickleball is not just a sport but a lifestyle choice that promotes both physical and mental well-being.

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